motor

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "motor" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to something related to movement or machinery, such as vehicles or engines. An example is: "The motor of the car was making a strange noise." Alternative expressions include "engine" and "mechanism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Travel

Business

Money

Film

Opinion

World

Society

Education

US News

Tech

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My boyfriend and I have lived on our motor sailor for years, yet had to enlist the help of an able seaman for our one trip out of the marina - and that was to move home.

The Guardian - Travel

Not surprisingly, wheeled motor sports also rank highly for severity of injuries, second to roller sports in the high threat to life category.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The media magnate – who has been ordered to work at the centre for disabled and elderly people one day a week for at least four hours – will help out with a morning programme including motor activities, reading, writing and games, Pigni said.

The Guardian

However, often such depictions of the motor city are sensational and not something that people living in the city actually appreciate.

The Guardian

The pigeons have been cleared from the clock tower – where an electric motor now powers the original cogs – overlooking trees, granite benching and new lighting designed to show off the architecture by night.

The Guardian

With harrowing, unrepentant exactitude it is a year to the weekend that the garish and tearaway business of motor racing was grotesquely freeze-framed into an eerie Pompeian stillness the moment its champion of cold-eyed invincibility and single-minded grandeur Ayrton Senna died in a 190mph crash in the name of sport.

The Guardian - Sport

Its survey of 134 companies in retail, wholesale and motor trading showed a net balance of 51% said sales volumes were up on a year ago.

The Guardian - Business

The resurgence of the British motor industry is among the most remarkable economic stories of recent times.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I was excited just to maybe be invited along to the event and see some of the stars, but the fact they've put us up there as a nominee, alongside the boxing and the football and the motor sport and the golf, I was like, wow.

The Guardian - Sport

"One insurer may offer you a 50% discount based on your four-year NCD, but another only 30%," says Julie Daniels, head of motor at Comparethemarket.com.

The Guardian - Money

The DVLA says it has worked with motor traders and written to new owners to make them aware of the change, but plenty of motorists have found their vehicles clamped or towed away after being given a taxed car by a relative, or even swapping cars within a family.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "motor" in technical writing, specify the type of motor (e.g., electric motor, combustion motor) for clarity. If you're referring to a vehicle, consider "car" or "automobile" for a more common term.

Common error

Avoid using "motor" and "engine" interchangeably unless the context allows. "Engine" typically refers to more complex devices, often involving combustion, while "motor" can refer to simpler electrical devices.

Linguistic Context

The word "motor" functions as a noun, referring to a machine that converts energy into mechanical motion. It can also serve as a verb, meaning to travel by car. Additionally it can serve as an adjective, describing neurons that create the ability to move, as Ludwig AI shows in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Lifestyle

10%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Travel

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "motor" is a versatile term functioning primarily as a noun but also as a verb and an adjective, as shown by Ludwig AI's examples. It commonly refers to a machine converting energy into motion, or to traveling by car and it’s very common in News & Media context.

Usage tips include specifying the motor type in technical contexts and distinguishing between "motor" and "engine" based on complexity. Related terms include "engine", "machine" and "mechanism".

Based on the high source quality and consistent usage, "motor" is a reliable and widely accepted term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engine

Refers specifically to a machine that converts power into motion; a more technical synonym.

machine

A broader term that encompasses any mechanical or electrical device, including a motor.

mechanism

Implies a system of parts working together, where the motor is a component.

driving force

Used metaphorically to describe something that propels or motivates an action or process.

power source

Highlights the energy input aspect of a motor.

prime mover

A technical term for a device that converts energy into mechanical work.

locomotive

Focuses on the motor's ability to provide movement or transportation.

automotive

Specifically related to vehicles and their power systems.

dynamo

Describes a generator or a highly energetic person, relating to the concept of power and energy.

propulsion system

Highlights the mechanism used to drive or push something forward.

FAQs

How is "motor" used in a sentence?

"Motor" can be used as a noun to refer to a machine that converts energy into mechanical motion, as in "The electric motor powered the fan." It can also be used as a verb, meaning to travel by car, as in "We decided to motor down to the coast for the weekend." Finally it can be used as an adjective, describing neurons that create the ability to move.

What are some synonyms for "motor"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "engine", "machine", or "mechanism" when referring to a device that produces motion. When referring to traveling by car, consider using "drive" or "ride".

When should I use "motor" versus "engine"?

"Engine" is generally used for more complex machines that convert thermal energy into mechanical work, often through combustion. "Motor" is broader and can refer to devices that convert electrical or other forms of energy into mechanical motion. Use "engine" when specifically referring to internal combustion or similar processes.

Is it correct to say "motor vehicle" or is "engine vehicle" more appropriate?

"Motor vehicle" is the correct and commonly used term. "Engine vehicle" is not a standard term. A motor vehicle is any self-propelled vehicle powered by a motor.